DHSPD cracking down on shootings, fireworks this New Year’s Eve
One desert city is cracking down on illegal celebration activities this New Year’s Eve with a hike in enforcement and steep fines.
The Desert Hot Springs Police Department will be be on high alert for people shooting firearms and fireworks to ring in the new year.
“It’s the law of gravity. What goes up must come down and we don’t want those projectiles coming down and damaging property or causing a fatal incident with someone,” said Chief Dale Mondary with the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.
The department will be in full force with two task forces driving throughout the city looking for violations and working from tips from the community.
“We intend to have zero tolerance that evening with those task forces,” said Mondary.
People caught shooting firearms in the city will be arrested and their guns confiscated. The penalty for for illegally launching fireworks has gone up significantly. The Desert Hot Springs City Council increased the amount of the fine for people shooting off fireworks from $50 to $1,000. The higher fine is aimed at stopping repeat offenders as well as protecting people and pets. According to Mondary, two dogs were found dead last year.
“There were at least two dogs that accidentally hung themselves trying to climb over a fence to escape the noise. They got their collars caught on the fence and strangled themselves,” said Mondary.
People in Desert Hot Springs that see a neighbor shooting fireworks on New Year’s Eve are asked to call the department directly at (760) 329-2904 and selecting option No. 2 to talk to dispatch. Residents should call 911 if someone has a gun or is injured.
Safe and Sane fireworks are only legal around the Fourth of July in some cities of the Coachella Valley, so it is illegal to use those as well.
